Questions and Answers
What type of echinoderm has flexible arms that are easily broken to escape predators?
Sea stars belong to what phylum?
Echinodermata
How do most starfish get their food?
Predation of small animals
Which echinoderm is grouped with a sea urchin?
Signup and view all the answers
An echinoderm that has a large number of spines attached to it is probably a:
Signup and view all the answers
Ring canals and radial canals are both part of the ____ system.
Signup and view all the answers
The process of regrowing body parts is called:
Signup and view all the answers
What type of symmetry does a brittle star have?
Signup and view all the answers
Where is the anus of a starfish located?
Signup and view all the answers
A 'keystone' species is often a(n):
Signup and view all the answers
Sea otters share their habitat with what other important organisms?
Signup and view all the answers
If you remove the starfish from a shoreline area, what happens to the mussel populations?
Signup and view all the answers
The word 'echinoderm' means:
Signup and view all the answers
What phylum of invertebrates do starfish, sand dollars, and sea urchins all belong to?
Signup and view all the answers
Echinoderms all live in _______ and are _______ or __________.
Signup and view all the answers
__________ underside has a mouth and their arms are used to pry open shelled prey such as mollusks.
Signup and view all the answers
Echinoderms can _______ lost arms.
Signup and view all the answers
Echinoderms are ______ symmetrical.
Signup and view all the answers
Where are echinoderms found?
Signup and view all the answers
Starfish can move using specialized structures called ____ _____
Signup and view all the answers
On a starfish, each arm has _______ of tube feet that help them navigate over rocks and sand.
Signup and view all the answers
The movement and circulation of a sea star is accomplished by canals within the animal that fill with water, a system called the _________ ________ system.
Signup and view all the answers
Echinoderms have a ______ ______ that surrounds the mouth and helps to coordinate their movements and responses.
Signup and view all the answers
Do echinoderms have a highly developed nervous system?
Signup and view all the answers
Echinoderms have ________ ______ on their arms that gather information about their surroundings, such as light and temperature to help the organism respond to its environment.
Signup and view all the answers
What is a keystone species?
Signup and view all the answers
A starfish is also known as a:
Signup and view all the answers
Sea urchins and sand dollars are grouped together because they have ______ solid plates that form around their soft bodies.
Signup and view all the answers
_____ __________ have hundreds of spines sticking off their bodies, which can serve as a defense against predators.
Signup and view all the answers
_____ ________ tend to be flat and will spend most of their time submerged under the sand in shallow waters.
Signup and view all the answers
_______ ______ have very long flexible arms that can break off (and regenerate later).
Signup and view all the answers
_____ ________ usually feed on dead or decaying organic matter on the ocean floor.
Signup and view all the answers
The _____ canal extends from the ring canal and into the starfish's arms.
Signup and view all the answers
Starfish: large and centrally located between the mouth and anus is the _______, where food is digested.
Signup and view all the answers
_________ __________ are located within the arms of the starfish, chemicals help break down food.
Signup and view all the answers
In a starfish, how many arms extend from the central disk?
Signup and view all the answers
The sea star, or starfish, is a _______ invertebrate belonging to the phylum Echinodermata.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Echinoderms Overview
- Echinoderms are marine invertebrates belonging to the phylum Echinodermata.
- They exhibit radial symmetry, lack a brain, and possess an endoskeleton.
Types of Echinoderms
- Brittle Stars: Have flexible arms that can easily break to evade predators.
- Sea Stars (Starfish): Known for their predatory nature, feeding primarily on small animals.
- Sea Urchins: Characterized by numerous spines for protection.
- Sand Dollars: Flat echinoderms that dwell beneath shallow waters.
- Sea Cucumbers: Typically feed on decaying organic matter on the ocean floor.
Anatomy and Physiology
- Echinoderms possess a water vascular system comprised of ring canals and radial canals for movement and circulation using tube feet.
- Radial canals extend into the arms of sea stars.
- The digestive system includes a central stomach for food digestion and digestive glands within the arms to aid breakdown.
- The anus is located on the top side of a starfish.
Reproduction and Regeneration
- Echinoderms can regenerate lost arms, a crucial adaptation for survival.
- The process of regrowth is referred to as regeneration.
Keystone Species and Ecological Role
- Sea stars are considered keystone species; their removal can lead to a dominance of certain species, disrupting biodiversity.
- Sea otters, a keystone predator, share habitats with kelp and sea urchins.
Sensory and Nervous System
- Echinoderms have a nerve ring that coordinates movement and responses, but they do not possess a highly developed nervous system.
- Sensory cells located on their arms gather environmental information, such as light and temperature.
Habitat and Distribution
- Echinoderms are exclusively found in ocean habitats, primarily in shallow waters near shorelines.
- They are generally classified as predators or scavengers within their ecosystems.
Unique Characteristics
- Echinodermata translates to "spiny skin," reflecting their tough exterior.
- Their movement and navigation are facilitated by hundreds of tube feet on their arms.
Group Characteristics
- Sea urchins and sand dollars share solid plate structures surrounding their bodies for additional protection.
- Brittle stars have long, flexible arms that can regenerate after breaking.
General Terminology
- A "keystone" species plays a critical role in maintaining ecological balance.
- Marine Invertebrate: Refers to aquatic organisms without backbones, such as starfish and sea cucumbers.
Fun Fact
- Adult sea stars usually exhibit five arms radiating from a central disk, showcasing their distinct morphology.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards on starfish and other echinoderms. Learn about their characteristics, feeding habits, and classifications. This quiz is perfect for biology students interested in marine life.
